On October 21, 2023, the third seminar of the BAYANIHAN Project, organized by PINAY, was successfully held. The main objective of this seminar was to provide Caregivers and Temporary Foreign Workers with extensive knowledge on Canadian Labour and Immigration. By gaining a deeper understanding of the various Government Services and immigration pathways, these individuals can strengthen their ability to maintain their well-being and immigration status in Canada.
The day kicked off with an unexpected twist. Before diving into the main content, Joshua Corpus, PINAY Quebec’s Community Engagement Coordinator, presented a quick quiz to the attendees. This exercise was designed to assess their existing knowledge on the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail) and various immigration streams. As participants grappled with questions, a mix of nervousness and thrill permeated the room. The rising competitiveness was clear, yet Corpus reassured everyone, “It’s alright if you don’t get everything right. That’s exactly why we’re here!” He also teased another quiz at the end to measure what they’d learned.
The seminar proceeded to discuss the important role of government services such as CNESST in resolving conflicts between employers and employees. Laura Andrade, the law intern at PINAY, provided in-depth explanations about the functionality of CNESST, making sure that all attendees could understand even the most intricate details. Additionally, Andrade diligently addressed multiple questions from the audience and presented simple examples for them to comprehend.
Moving forward, Corpus took the lead in discussing the intricacies of the Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class (CEC). As he outlined programs within the CEC and their specific requirements, many were taken aback by the depth and amount of information. Participants eagerly captured pictures of the presentation slides, particularly as Corpus explained the “minimum requirements” and key terms/processes like the National Occupation Classification and Educational Credential Assessment. The seminar also shed light on the importance of approved language tests and how varying test scores could influence an individual’s express entry profile.
In the latter part of the session, Cheney Cortes, PINAY Quebec’s Project Coordinator, introduced the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Despite the information-heavy segment, participants remained thoroughly engrossed, snapping photos and seeking clarifications.
Intermittently, breaks were interspersed to provide some respite. Participants relished a delightful spread catered by Cuisine de Manille, featuring Filipino favorites like Pancit, Pork BBQ, Lumpia, and Dado’s Fried Chicken. This interlude also presented an opportunity for attendees to talk with staff, university professors, and students, fortifying the sense of community.
Concluding the day, the seminar revisited the quiz format. With some banding together in teams and others opting for solo participation, the room was buzzing with anticipation. As the leaderboard fluctuated with each question, the final triumph was clinched by Ivy Balinario, both a participant and a PINAY Committee Member. This testament to their learning throughout the seminar truly underscored their dedication to their futures in Montreal.
Leave a Reply